Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 6
Chapter 242 — पुरुषलक्षणं
Purusha-Lakshana): Marks of a Man (Physiognomy
षडुन्नतो ऽष्टवंशश् च सप्तस्नेहो नवामलः दशपद्मो दशव्यूहो न्यग्रोधपरिमण्डलः
ṣaḍunnato 'ṣṭavaṃśaś ca saptasneho navāmalaḥ daśapadmo daśavyūho nyagrodhaparimaṇḍalaḥ
„Sechsfältig erhoben, achtstämmig, siebenfach reich an öliger Saftigkeit, neunfach makellos; zehn-lotoshaft, zehnfach in Vyūha geordnet—so ist der Nyagrodha (Banyan) mit vollkommen rundem Ausbreiten der Krone.“
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Used as a lakṣaṇa-style checklist for identifying/depicting an idealized nyagrodha (banyan) form in vāstu contexts—e.g., selecting auspicious trees for temple precincts, garden planning, or as a model for rounded canopies in decorative motifs.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Nyagrodha-lakṣaṇa (Ideal Banyan: numeric attributes)","lookup_keywords":["nyagrodha","banyan","parimaṇḍala","lakṣaṇa","vāstu-vṛkṣa"],"quick_summary":"Defines an auspicious, perfectly rounded banyan by numeric epithets (six-elevated, eight-stemmed, etc.). Useful as a vāstu/shilpa descriptor for sacred landscaping and ornamental design."}
Alamkara Type: Anuprāsa (phonetic patterning) / Saṅkhyā (numerical enumeration)
Concept: Auspiciousness and ideality are encoded through measurable/recognizable marks (lakṣaṇa) and ordered enumeration.
Application: Apply numeric-lakṣaṇa thinking to selection/standardization in vāstu and shilpa—choosing forms that signal completeness and harmony.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra (Temple Architecture & Iconometry)
Primary Rasa: Adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: Shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A grand banyan tree with a perfectly circular canopy, multiple stems and aerial roots, depicted as an auspicious presence near a temple courtyard; the composition emphasizes symmetry and rounded spread.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat yet rich colors, sacred temple courtyard with a monumental nyagrodha tree, perfectly round canopy, stylized aerial roots, ornamental borders, serene auspicious atmosphere","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central nyagrodha with circular canopy near a small shrine, heavy gold leaf highlights on leaves and halo-like canopy outline, jewel-toned palette, symmetrical composition","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, instructional diagram feel: banyan with labeled numeric attributes (6/8/7/9/10), delicate linework, soft washes, emphasis on parimaṇḍala canopy geometry","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed botanical banyan with multiple trunks and aerial roots, circular canopy dominating the frame, fine foliage stippling, temple wall in background, balanced composition"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Shuddha Saveri","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ऽष्टवंशश् = अष्टवंशः; षडुन्नतः = षट् + उन्नतः (व्यञ्जनसन्धि); अन्य पदानि समासरूपाणि।
Related Themes: Agni Purana Vāstu/Śilpa sections on prāsāda-lakṣaṇa and auspicious trees (vṛkṣa-prakaraṇa); Agni Purana iconometry passages using numeric lakṣaṇas
FAQs
It gives vastu-style auspicious diagnostics (lakṣaṇa) for identifying an ideal nyagrodha (banyan) by counting and observing specific physical features used in sacred-site and ritual contexts.
Beyond theology, it catalogs measurable, practice-oriented criteria (counts, forms, arrangements) used in Vastu/ritual selection—showing the Purana’s compendium-like coverage of architecture, omens, and sacred landscape standards.
Selecting a properly marked, auspicious tree is treated as supporting ritual purity and prosperity at a site, helping ensure favorable outcomes (śubha-phala) and avoidance of inauspicious defects (doṣa).